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Appendix O

Chapter Officers’ Handbook 22 May 2009

NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. Bridge of Light Handbook

Appendix O Chapter Officers’ Handbook

FOREWORD This Bridge of Light Handbook augments the National By-Laws and National Regulation 8.2.2 to assist all levels of National Sojourners, especially Chapters. Its purpose is to cultivate Masonic ideals for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Freemasonry, and for ensuring unity and harmony among the Masonic Organizations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I

101. General

102. Definitions

103. Relations with Other Masonic Organizations

CHAPTER II 201. The Chapter Bridge of Light (BOL) Program

202. How to Start and Present a Flag Pageant

CHAPTER III 301. Resources and Background Materials

CHAPTER IV 401. Guidelines for Earning the Odie Howell Chapter BOL Award

CHAPTER V 501. Reporting

ATTACHMENTS A 1. Helpful Hints for a Successful BOL Program A 2. Outline for Various BOL Programs A 3. One Chapter’s Organization for a BOL Program A 4. Available Scripts and Materials A 5 The Table Lodge A 6. The Bridge of Light Annual Report Guidance A 7. The Bridge of Light Certificate A 8. Chapter Bridge of Light (BOL) Annual Report (Current Version) A 9. Sample Letter to Masonic Bodies A 10. Flag Disposal Ceremony A 11. Folding the Flag Ceremony

APPENDIX O

CHAPTER OFFICERS’ HANDBOOK

CHAPTER I

101. General.

This Bridge of Light (BOL) Handbook is designed to assist Chapters in fulfilling the requirements set forth in Article 11.1.2, “Bridge of Light,” of our National By-Laws relative to the National BOL Program. This objective is achieved by providing helpful guidelines concerning the BOL functions, which are set forth in National Regulation 8.2.2, “Bridge of Light Committee.” BOL programs should contribute to fraternal friendships and facilitate closer bonding of individual Sojourners.

102. Definitions.

1. BOL is a mystical concept, which is peculiar to National Sojourners and serves to connect our Order with Masonry and its appendant bodies. BOL, as a symbolic tool, creates a common bond of brotherhood espousing the American Way of Life and the freedoms we enjoy and must protect by “supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry.” The BOL is a liaison, a bonding, an interweaving, a better understanding, and a friendship between National Sojourners and the rest of Freemasonry. National Sojourners gain visibility, relevance, respect, and perhaps members; non-Sojourner Masons and appendant bodies gain programs, education, and other assistance, especially with their patriotic endeavors.

2. National BOL Committee. The National BOL Committee is the primary National component, under the broad guidance of the National President, charged with the effective implementation of the National BOL Program (NR 8.2.2). The National President typically appoints one of the National Vice Presidents as the National Line representative for the National BOL Committee.

3. Chapter BOL Committee. The Chapter BOL Committee shall consist of dedicated, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable Sojourners, who are well versed in local Masonic traditions and ready to impart Masonic assistance. The committee develops and presents programs to unite the Masonic Family into one common “society of friends and brothers.” Chapter BOL duties are listed in the National Regulation 8.2.2, “Bridge of Light Committee,” and are summarized here for the purpose of continuity.

(1) Maintain periodic contact verbal and written, with Masonic Lodges and other Masonic organizations, to ensure understanding of the Objectives of National Sojourners and the BOL Programs.

(2) Make Chapter visits, at least annually, to the Masonic Lodges. (3) Encourage individual Sojourners to attend additional Masonic meetings, as a

minimum (a) Each Sojourner should attend at least one stated meeting of a Blue Lodge

annually, and

(b) Each Sojourner should attend a presentation of the three Blue Lodge Degrees annually.

(c) Each Sojourner should attend the Masonic District events whenever able. (4) Hold an annual Chapter “Masonic Night” program with Masonic dignitaries

invited as guests. (5) Visit with local Masonic Youth Groups. (6) Where Grand jurisdiction permits, furnish degree teams, flag ceremonies, and

other programs. (7) Wear Sojourner Medals, when appearing as a Sojourner, at Masonic functions

(where not prohibited by Grand Lodge rules). (8) Include significant local Masonic events in the Chapter Bulletin. (9) Distribute Chapter Bulletins to local Masonic Lodges/Bodies. (10) Present, on appropriate occasions, BOL Certificates. (11) Report effective BOL activities to the National BOL Committee and to the

National Secretary in the form of articles for publication in THE SOJOURNER in accordance with reference (d).

(12) Develop interesting programs for presentation before Masonic audiences. (13) Submit the annul BOL Report, not later than 31 May.

For suggestions to accomplish these tasks see the Bridge of Light Handbook, Appendix O, of the Chapter Officer Handbook.

103. Relations with Other Masonic Organizations.

1. The Fraternal Liaison Committee, which is mandated by National Regulation 8.2.4., is the principal advisory body to the National President on matters affecting fraternal relations with other Masonic Organizations. The Fraternal Liaison Committee, while it has no Chapter-level equivalent, integrates the inputs of various committees, activities, and events for the National Sojourners’ President and Line Officers relative to other Masonic bodies and groups, such as Grand Lodge Jurisdictions, the Conference of Grand Masters, Prince Hall Grand Lodges, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and other state-, national-, and international-level Masonic bodies. The National BOL Committee coordinates with the Fraternal Relations Committee for Chapter-level BOL activities.

2. The BOL activities of the Chapter BOL Committee are the primary contact with individual Blue Lodges, Royal Arch Chapters, Councils of Royal and Select Masters, Commanderies of Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Valleys, Chapters of Eastern Star, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, Job’s Daughters, etc. Each Chapter-level committee and committee member should be attuned to activities within their Sojourner Region and/or Area to ensure Masonic unity and harmony without infringing on the activities of the Fraternal Liaison Committee.

3. The National BOL Committee coordinates with the National Fraternal Liaison Committee.

CHAPTER II

201. The Chapter BOL Program.

1. Administration.

a. The Chapter BOL Committee should prepare a plan of action acceptable to its Chapter President and members. The BOL Chairman shall obtain a copy of this BOL Handbook for reference.

b. The plan may include parts or all of the following: (1) Fraternal visits to Masonic Organizations. (2) Inviting Masonic bodies to Sojourner Meetings. (3) BOL Presentations. Note that scripts may be obtained from other Chapters and the

National Headquarters. Also, it is recommended that the script for each presentation be tailored as needed to fit the requirements of the Chapter and the particular presentation.

(a) Presenting of colors, posting of colors, leading Pledge of Allegiance to U.S. flag, giving “A Toast to the Flag” © and other suitable material.

(b) “Building of the Flag” (See A4). A live performance is much preferred, adapted to a Chapter’s ability.

(c) “Historical Flags Presentation.” (See A4). (d) VADM Homer N. Wallin Chapter No. 40, Program (See A3). (e) A presentation written for a particular Chapter is probably the best procedure. (f) “Flag Disposal Ceremony” (g) “Folding the Flag” (h) "The Story of National Sojourners" (The DVD may be run with built-in

narration or used with live narration, which is recommended.) (i) Recent Additions (Check with the National Sojourners Headquarters for the

latest BOL resources.)

2. Procedures and Methods.

a. The Chapter BOL Committee should become acquainted with the Masters and Officers of the Masonic Organizations in their area. Personal contact will solve most problems and ensure harmonious relations.

b. Fraternal visits should be coordinated with the presiding officer. Several Sojourners may attend the meetings and make a brief presentation.

c. The month of November is designated as National BOL Month by our Order. Invite the Masonic leaders to attend that Sojourner meeting. This gives an opportunity to explain BOL to the guests as well as the Chapter members.

d. The BOL Committee should encourage Sojourners to attend Symbolic Lodge meetings. Sojourner Chapter meetings do not replace Lodge meetings. The National BOL Committee suggests that each Sojourner should attend at least one stated Lodge meeting every year and each of the three Symbolic Conferred Degrees annually. The BOL Chairman should maintain a schedule of planned local symbolic degree conferrals.

e. Encourage Sojourners to wear their membership jewels when they attend a Masonic function in an official Sojourner capacity, unless the Grand Lodge objects.

f. Be familiar with the programs of the Grand Lodge and attend these activities occurring in the Sojourner Chapter’s locality.

g. The BOL Committee should become acquainted with the local Masonic Youth programs and offer their assistance and support.

h. A Sojourner Chapter may: (1) Provide a degree team to confer all Symbolic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and York Rite

Degrees, and others (when permitted by the several Grand Bodies). (2) Present a Flag Pageant at a Masonic meeting, or for a Masonic-sponsored social

activity. (3) Conduct a “Table Lodge” meeting (if permitted by the Grand Lodge). (4) Prepare and present programs. Grand Masters often request that Masters of local

lodges have programs on selected subjects during the year. An alert BOL Committee may obtain a list of the subjects and prepare programs to meet the Grand Master’s requirements. A local Lodge Master may be delighted to have a Sojourners Chapter present such a program.

(5) Build a suitable display on a trailer or float for use in parades. (6) Provide a color guard for the opening of Grand Lodge.

i. The BOL Committee should know of significant upcoming events and inform the editor

of the Chapter Bulletin so they may be listed as coming events. j. The Chapter should make wide distribution of their bulletin/newsletter to the local

Masonic Lodges and appendant bodies. k. Be ready to present BOL Certificates on appropriate occasions. l. The Chapter should prepare pageants and other local interest programs. Since BOL and

Americanism subject matter overlaps, cooperation between the two committees is essential. Suggestions for these programs are presented in the next section.

m. Do not keep your program a secret. Write a description and send it with a script to the National Secretary, for publication in THE SOJOURNER.

n. The National Secretary is collecting copies of all programs to have a central file. Send copies of your scripts to him and assist in building the central file.

202. How to Start and Present a Flag Pageant.

1. The basic requirements for a Sojourner Chapter to present a Flag Pageant are simple and straightforward. The execution may be difficult and require a lot of time and effort by several people, but success is very gratifying. A dedicated group must be formed to present the programs. Chapters would be wise to include their ladies in the cast.

a. Obtain a script, materials, and equipment (See A4).

b. Learn the parts and rehearse! Learning means to memorize the parts. A Flag Pageant is not effective when the actors hold clipboards, pieces of paper, etc., and read from them

c. Wear colonial uniforms. They give the program dash and color. If your members do not have colonial uniforms, jumpsuits or other field uniforms may be worn as an alternative. Do

not recommend mixing colonial uniforms with field uniforms.

d. Use a Sojourner Chapter meeting for the first presentation. Look for ways to improve it before presenting it to other groups. Rehearse some more.

e. As soon as the pageant is viable, Chapter members should look for places to present it. It is discouraging to develop a good program and then not present it. However, the program must be worth watching. Good reviews will bring invitations.

f. Where do members find places for initial presentations of the Flag Pageant? Once established, invitations will come.

(1) Look at Masonic organizations, the Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, Masonic Youth Groups, and others. Sojourners and their wives are members or know someone who is a member of these organizations, each of which has program chairmen and a presiding officer. A presentation at any Masonic gathering is a BOL Program. Present a BOL certificate at the conclusion.

(2) Consider civic organizations, i.e., Rotary, Lions, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Military Officers Association of America, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Their program chairmen are always looking for new programs. Some Sojourners are members of these civic organizations and should volunteer the Chapter’s Flag Pageant. A program given to any of these types of organizations may be the identical presentation, but it is an Americanism Program. The audience defines whether the program is BOL (Masonic audience) or Americanism (Non-Masonic audience).

(3) Heritage Organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Colonists, etc., like patriotic programs. A Chapter member or a member’s wife may be a member and know the program chairperson. Their programs usually are scheduled a year in advance, so plan ahead.

(4) Who is the judge of your court that conducts naturalization ceremonies? He may be willing to change his program if your Chapter pageant is a suitable substitute.

(5) The schools are receptive to such programs. However, the teachers will want it to be at a time when the students are studying the appropriate material. Special days are often good times, i.e. Washington’s Birthday, Veterans Day, etc.

(6) Do not overlook the churches. Sunday School classes have parties and need programs. Volunteer the Chapter’s Flag Pageant.

2. If your Chapter presents an excellent pageant, invitations will come from many groups. It will have to be presented at their convenience. Therefore the cast members should know more than one part. Have as many backup people as possible. The place may be a truck trailer, a baseball diamond, or an excellent auditorium, but go to any location, adapt as needed without complaints. Go For It! You will enjoy the activity, and it serves a good purpose in your community.

3. Advertise your programs. Prepare flyers describing the programs and National Sojourners. Send them to the clubs, schools, churches, and Masonic Bodies. Lists of clubs may be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce.

CHAPTER III

301. Resources and Background Materials.

1. Use the libraries of the public schools, universities or colleges, and the city.

2. Good material can be found in the Scottish Rite Journal, the Knight Templar, the Royal Arch Mason, and the Northern Light.

3. Heritage Societies’ publications have excellent material for BOL Programs.

4. Veterans’ organizations have publications that have suitable material.

5. Ask the National BOL Committee, National Americanism Committee, the National Heroes of ’76 Line, and Regional and Area Representatives for help.

6. Read past issues of THE SOJOURNER for ideas. Contact the Chapters listed in THE SOJOURNER for more details.

CHAPTER IV

401. Guidelines for Earning the Odie Howell Chapter BOL Award.

1. QUALIFICATION: Significant contribution by Chapter(s) to the National BOL Program.

2. RECOMMENDED BY: Results of Chapter BOL Annual Report.

3. SUBMITTED TO: National BOL Committee.

4. APPROVED BY: The National BOL Committee based on grading of the Chapter BOL Annual Report evaluated on a score of 10. Chapters attaining a score totaling 18 or more for two consecutive years will be presented a National Award Flag Streamer which can be won every year after the first award.

CHAPTER V

501. Reporting.

The Chapter BOL Annual Report is due not later than 31 July for the previous annual period from 1 July 20XX to 30 June 20XX. The report should be sent to National Headquarters, which will properly distribute it to the National BOL Chairman and Committee members.

ATTACHMENT 1

HELPFUL HINTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BOL PROGRAM a. Appoint an ENTHUSIASTIC and KNOWLEDGEABLE Chairman.

b. Be INNOVATIVE and CREATIVE in your planning.

c. Involve MASONIC and/or MASONIC YOUTH organizations.

d. Keep programs brief and exciting. No more than 30 minutes.

e. Remember 2-3 members can conduct a BOL program. More is better, content and manner of presentation are the important ingredients.

f. Use Heroes and ladies in costume whenever possible.

g. Conduct your BOL program at the Lodge, or other acceptable and suitable place. You will need to adapt to almost any place.

h. Join with another Chapter if support is needed.

i. Take photos. Report to THE SOJOURNER.

j. Always include BOL – MEMBERSHIP – EDUCATION.

k. Always have petitions and brochures, but use discretion.

l. November is BOL Month. Make sure to have at least one meaningful BOL Program each year. More may be desired.

m. Seek help from your National BOL Committee, Area or Regional Representative.

n. If activities of another Chapter are of interest, correspond with them and request their ideas. Ideas also may be obtained by attending National Conventions and Mid-Winter Meetings, talking to your representatives, and reading THE SOJOURNER.

ATTACHMENT 2

OUTLINE FOR VARIOUS BOL PROGRAMS a. Format One: Lodge visitation only:

1. President of Chapter and Chairman of BOL arrange with local Blue Lodge Master or other Organizational Head to pay a fraternal visit at a stated meeting of the Lodge. Confirm date and time, etc., several months ahead for ample notification to Chapter and Lodge membership.

2. BOL Chapter Chairman and Telephone Committee should notify membership and encourage full attendance. Especially ask Chapter members, who are members of that Lodge, to attend such meetings in uniform, if possible, or with Sojourner ribbons, jewels, and patriotic points.

3. Encourage all Sojourners to wear insignia if permitted by the Grand Lodge. Heroes wear costumes. The more visibility – the better.

4. When the Master recognizes the Chapter President, he should have the BOL Chairman respond briefly by telling the brethren the Purposes of National Sojourners and something about the Chapter activities. Three minutes only. Don’t read, know the material, and project to all.

5. Offer assistance in helping a lodge produce a Patriotic Program in future.

6. Be prepared to mingle and talk with the brethren at refreshment time. All Sojourners attending must become involved in spreading the word about Sojourners.

NOTE: This same format is applicable for a visit to any Masonic related group: York Rite Scottish Rite Shrine Tall Cedars Hi-Twelve DeMolay Rainbow Girls Job’s Daughters Others

b. Format Two: Presentation of Colors at Lodge – 5 minutes:

1. Color Guard of Heroes in costumes—preferably six.

2. Present – the American Flag, Sojourner Flag, Bennington Flag, State Flag, & two Color Guards.

3. Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Post Colors.

5. Be seated and uncover.

Note: This same format is appropriate for Sojourners in suits with medals to present Colors in Lodge and other Masonic-related organizations.

c. Format Three: Presentation of Colors at Lodge – 8 minutes:

1. Color Guard of 6-7 men in Heroes costume or Military uniform.

2. Use live Fife and Drum Music or tape of Heroes Music.

3. Present Colors – American Flag, Sojourner Flag, Bennington Flag, State Flag, and Two Guards.

4. Pledge of Allegiance.

5. Toast to the Flag.

6. Post Colors.

7. Purposes/History of National Sojourners.

d. Format Four: Same as Format Two –12 minutes by adding:

1. Each Flag Bearer or MC gives (recites) brief History of Flag.

e. Format Five: Same as Format Two –20 minutes by adding:

1. Have 6-8 Sojourners respond to “WHO WAS IT?” taken from Heroes Manual.

f. From these basic formats, many additional programs can be developed, such as: President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Constitution Day, Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, Youth Day. Background information sources may be found in Chapter III of Appendix O.

ATTACHMENT 3

ONE CHAPTER’S ORGANIZATION FOR A BOL PROGRAM

a. VADM Homer N. Wallin Chapter #40 supplied the following information showing the organizations and pre-planning to present a BOL program. The National BOL Committee extends grateful thanks to Chapter #40. This is the only BOL Pageant Script on file that does not double as an Americanism Program. VADM Homer N. Wallin Chapter #40, BOL Ceremony is direct and to the point and explains “Bridge of Light.”

b. BRIDGE OF LIGHT NARRATOR’S REPORT

TIME AND DATE: ______________________

MASONIC ORGANIZATION: ______________________

ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS: ______________________

MASTER’S NAME: ___________________TELEPHONE: ______________________

BRIDGE OF LIGHT TEAM

NARRATOR; _______________________________

POSITION NO. 1 CARD NO. 1 WASHINGTON

POSITION NO. 2 CARD NO. 2 WARREN

POSITION NO. 3 CARD NO. 3 FRANKLIN

POSITION NO. 4 CARD NO. 4 JONES

POSITION NO. 5 CARD NO. 5 REVERE

POSITION NO. 6 CARD NO. 6 SOJOURNER CHAPTER DISCRETION

FACING THE EAST

ODD NUMBERS ON LEFT EVEN NUMBERS ON RIGHT

c. BRIDGE OF LIGHT COMMITTEE

DEAR BROTHER,

THERE WILL BE A BRIDGE OF LIGHT PROGRAM HELD AT: ______________________

TIME: __________________

DATE: __________________

HOW TO GET THERE: _________________________________________________________

MASTER OF LODGE: _______________________TELEPHONE: ______________________

YOU WILL TAKE POSITION NO. _____________

AND ANSWER CARD NO. ___________________

YOU WILL ALSO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

IF NOT IN HEROES UNIFORMS, WEAR DARK SUIT OR SPORTS COAT AND TROUSERS. WEAR YOUR PATRIOTIC POINTS AND SOJOURNERS MEDAL. WEAR YOUR HEROES OF ’76 HAT DURING THE PRESENTATION.

YOUR NARRATOR WILL BE: ___________________________________________________

CHAIRMAN: ______________________

ATTACHMENT 4

AVAILABLE SCRIPTS AND MATERIALS a. “Building the Flag” This is a popular Flag Program. A script may be purchased through

the Resale Office of National Sojourners. A second choice is the set of slides by the same title. A set of slides will not compare with a live show with Heroes in costumes.

There are numerous variations of “Building the Flag.” Most Chapters have modified the presentations to fit their abilities and needs. Some Chapters have added a map to show the area claimed by each colony. Also, some have written two sets of answers, one for the BOL and the other for Americanism Programs. Currently, there is not a central file of the variations of “Building the Flag”

b. “Historical Flags Presentation”

c. Some Chapters have written scripts for additional pageants. No central file or list of these scripts exists. One Chapter has five separate pageants, 30 flags with poles and stands, a loudspeaker system, a podium, and a trailer to store equipment and transport it to a program site. Contact your Area Representative to find out who has scripts in your area.

d. Making a Kit for “Building the Flag,” if not using a DVD instead.

It is convenient to use a 3’x5’ flag as a pattern and plan on the “built” flag to be 3’x5’.

Cut a board (Pressboard or 1/4” plywood) to size, larger than the 3’x5’ and cover with cloth, dark green or black. Place Velcro strips to make an outline of the sides of the flag and the blue field. A staff should be on the left-hand side.

Use a good quality cloth that does not stretch, such as a twill weave, sometimes called sport cloth or “chino.” Measure the length and width of the stripes and cut to that width with additional width for folding a hem on both sides and the ends. Cut the blue field using a size with additional width for hems. Cut the stars to size. Because of difficulty hemming and retaining the shape, use glue (such as SOBO-available in fabric stores) and glue the stars in position on the blue field. Some Chapters have several blue fields with stars attached as thirteen stars (Betsy Ross), fifteen stars (Star Spangled Banner), and fifty stars. Other versions place each star individually. These could be attached with Velcro. To speed the change from the Betsy Ross to the Star spangled Banner have a red and white stripe sewn together so both can be put into place at one time.

The stripes can be rolled and kept in a box along with folded fields and scripts. A design for a stand to hold the board may be had by contacting the National Secretary. Any tripod of suitable size will do.

e. Flag Disposal Ceremony

f. Folding the Flag Ceremony

The National Secretary has copies of many of the scripts for sale.

ATTACHMENT 5

THE TABLE LODGE

a. Festive Board

1. The “Festive Board” is the practice of a Lodge meeting at a table for the purpose of eating, toasting and enjoying the company of fellow Masons. It is an old and time-honored custom of the Fraternity. Over the years the Festive Board has disappeared from American Masonry, while it remains an integral part of Masonry throughout the rest of the world.

2. In the Old Charges, feasts were provided and treated by the rules and regulations of the Craft. The work of the Lodge at the table constituted a third sector in the operations of the Lodge and explains why the Junior Warden has not one, but two, stewards to assist him.

3. A Lodge called to refreshment is still a Lodge and so is tiled and constituted of Masons only. The Festive Board is never to be confused with the lately more common “banquet” at which non-masons, wives, and families may even outnumber the Masons. Whereas the inclusion of wives and families should be encouraged at more casual gatherings, the requirements of the Festive Board, with its toasts and formalities, direct that non-members should never attend. The March 1991 issue of THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL has an interesting article about Table Lodges and Festive Boards.

b. Some Customs with the Festive Board.

1. Usually held on or close to Saint John’s Day (June 24th and December 27th).

2. A prescribed seating arrangement.

3. A series of toasts. Toasts to the Grand Master and our Country and the Saints John are always included. Others are usually added.

4. The meeting is tiled.

5. Utensils are renamed.

6. Several Masonic type songs are usually sung.

c. Restriction

1. Not all Grand Lodges permit Table Lodges.

2. When they do, the ceremony is performed by a Chartered Lodge, with some restrictions. A Sojourner Chapter cannot hold a Table Lodge.

3. When permitted, Sojourners may encourage a Lodge to hold a Table Lodge and may pro-tem offices while wearing Heroes costumes.

ATTACHMENT 6

THE BRIDGE OF LIGHT ANNUAL REPORT GUIDANCE

a. The National President, the National Line, and the National BOL Committee would like to know how the BOL Program is progressing. The BOL Program is a mandatory program for each National Sojourner Chapter, and as such, it is beneficial to the National Line and National BOL Committee to know which parts of the program are being accomplished and how well the program is progressing. Your success, when shared with other Chapters and BOL Chairmen, helps to improve not only the BOL Program, but also to increase our relevance nationwide. This feedback enables improved methods and procedures to make BOL more enjoyable and desirable at all levels of the organization. The BOL Committee needs information from every National Sojourners’ Chapter relative to BOL activities.

b. Therefore, the Chapter BOL Chairman should submit an annual report for his Chapter and Committee. Please do not list Americanism activities (for civic groups and other non-Masonic organizations) as BOL activities (for Masonic audiences only). A program presented to a Masonic audience is BOL. The same program presented to non-Masonic groups and organizations, even if some Masons are present, is an Americanism Program.

c. The Bridge of Light Annual Report Form: The National Secretary will send each Chapter copies of the form. Check the appropriate “yes” or “no” blanks. Check the approximate repeats of the program. A copy of the BOL Annual Report follows – Attachment 8.

ATTACHMENT 7

THE BRIDGE OF LIGHT CERTIFICATE.

a. The current BOL Certificate is Resale item #160

b. It should be completed neatly.

c. It should be properly framed or presented in a National Sojourner Presentation Folder.

d. Present the BOL Certificate to the Master or person in charge with a proper speech.

ATTACHMENT 8

BRIDGE OF LIGHT ANNUAL REPORT DUE DATE: 31 July

CHAPTER NAME & NO. ______________________________________________________

SCORE

1. Did your Chapter conduct a Bridge of Light Program at one of its meetings this year? (1 point if yes) _____

2. Did any of your members make Bridge of Light visits to other Masonic organizations? (1/2 point per visit, maximum 2 points; please attach a list of visits and give date, organization visited, and names of Chapter members who made each visit)

_____

3. Did your Chapter conduct any Bridge of Light activities? (Lectures on the American Flag [Building the Flag, Historic Flags, Folding the Flag], Color Guard detail, or other activity: 1/4 point for each activity, maximum 3 points; please attach a list, give date, type of activity, name of the organization for which the activity was conducted, and names of Chapter members who participated.)

_____

4. Did your Chapter conduct the activities in Question 3 in Colonial uniform? (1/4 point per activity conducted in Colonial uniform, maximum 3 points) _____

5. Did your Chapter support any local Masonic youth groups? (1 point; please attach a list of groups) _____

6. Did your Chapter present any Bridge of Light Certificates? (1 point; please give details of the presentation on an attached sheet) _____

7. Did your Chapter send copies of your Chapter bulletins to other Masonic Organizations? (1 point; please attach a list of organizations to which your Chapter bulletin was sent.

_____

8. Did your Chapter report any of its Bridge of Light activities to the Sojourner Magazine, which were published? (1 point; please attach a copy of the page of the Sojourner Magazine where your activity was published.

_____

9. Briefly describe on your attachment an outstanding BOL activity that your Chapter conducted during the report year. (1 or 2 points will be added to your total as determined by the BOL Committee.)

_____

All additional information requested in the above questions may be given on one or more attached pages. You may also add any comments on how to improve this report in the future. _____________________________ ______________________________ Chapter President Chapter BOL Chairman This report is due at National Headquarters by 31 July of each year. Receiving a total of 20 or more points during two consecutive years entitles a Chapter to receive the Odie Howell Bridge of Light Award.

ATTACHMENT 9

SAMPLE LETTER TO MASONIC BODIES

Your Chapter #XX Order of National Sojourners

And Your Camp Name

Heroes of ‘76

Subject: Patriotic Presentations

To: Brothers, Companions, Sir Knights, Nobles, Sisters, and Community Friends:

Your Chapter Name #XX, Order of National Sojourners, in cooperation with Your Camp Name, Heroes of ‘76, is available to provide a series of Patriotic presentations for your meetings as part of our Bridge of Light Programs. The purpose of these presentations is to build Patriotism and Americanism throughout the nation, to promote unity among the various Masonic organizations in our community, and to provide meaningful programs for your groups. Our speakers will visit your location to deliver their presentation or any other appropriate place you may desire. Our presentations include our Historical Flags Presentation with 15 pre- and Revolutionary War-era, War of 1812, Civil War, and modern flags, along with the names, battles, history, and events surrounding each flag; Building the Flag, which builds the flag stripe-by-stripe and star-by-star; Folding the Flag, which describes the symbolism of the folds in the flag; and Retiring the Flag, which describes the proper way to dispose of a worn and damaged flag. National Sojourners in colonial uniform are also available to present the colors at your special events. These presentations vary in length from a few minutes to an hour and can be presented to large and small groups. Due to the popularity of the events, our members will answer questions from the audience concerning the presentation or any other patriotic-related topic. Our presenters are dressed in colonial uniforms, are a “hit” wherever they go, and are often fondly remembered long after the presentation is complete.

Please contact our Chapter President of Your Chapter Name #19, Brother’s Name at (123) 456-7890 or Brother’s Name at (234) 567-8901 or brother@provider.com to arrange a presentation. Since this involves availability of the presenters, advance notice is important, preferably several weeks.

Sincerely and fraternally,

President, Commander, Name Chapter #XX Name of Camp Order of National Sojourners Heroes of ’76

ATTACHMENT 10

FLAG DISPOSAL CEREMONY

Copyrighted by

National Sojourners, Inc. Heroes of ’76 in should be dressed in Colonial Uniforms. Also, it would be appropriate to have the United States Flag and the Bennington Flag posted in stands in the nearby area. The ceremony requires the following: a recording of TAPS; a container for the fire such as a tub, barbeque pit, or fire pit; and charcoal. The charcoal should be burning intensely before the ceremony is begun.

Ceremony Officer of the Day: Brother Commander, I have several unserviceable flags of the United States of America, which should be properly destroyed.

Commander: Our Flag Code provides that “An old, torn, or soiled American Flag should be destroyed, preferably by burning." You may present the flags for inspection.

Officer of the Day: I present these flags for your inspection. They have become torn and tattered while serving as an emblem of our Country and as a tribute to our honored dead. They have been displayed on poles, covered the caskets of our honored dead, and paraded during events celebrating our National holidays. Sir, I recommend that they be destroyed with an appropriate ceremony.

Commander Inspects The Flags Commander: Brother Sojourners, these flags have been presented and are declared to be unusable. A tattered, faded, or soiled American Flag should not be displayed. These flags have reached their present condition in proper service. An American Flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze or manufactured of the finest silk. Its monetary value may be trifling or great, but its intrinsic value is priceless.

It is a precious symbol, which has inspired our countrymen to establish and defend the greatest Nation on earth, and to ensure that a government established upon those principles of freedom, justice, and humanity shall endure.

Commander: *** All please rise. Brother Chaplain, please lead us in prayer.

Chaplain: Almighty God, Great Architect of the Universe, we ask that You consecrate this ceremony. We thank You for our Nation and its flag and for the freedom, which they represent. We give thanks for the beautiful symbolism of our flag and for the heroic sacrifices it has inspired. It has motivated us to devoted service to our country, and we pray that we may remain true to the ideals, which it represents. We ask that in revering our flag, we may enhance honor, justice, and integrity in our lives. Bless our America, we pray, and make us her messengers of freedom and peace. In Thee, God, we put our trust. Amen.

Commander: (Caution: Since most flags have some synthetic material, the smoke and fumes may be toxic; therefore, do not stand in the rising smoke.) Please stand at attention during the burning of the unfolded and loosely wadded flags. Brother Officer of the Day, please place the first flag on the fire. To a cleansing and purging fire, we now commit these American Flags.

As the Officer of the Day places the flags, one by one, on the fire, the Commander recites the following tribute. For more than 200 years, the American Flag has been the symbol of our National unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. We must continue to lead by example in our respective communities, paying proper respect and honor to our National Emblem. And, we must work to guarantee that future generations never forget those patriots of the past, who have given so much blood and tears to preserve the freedom we enjoy today.

These flags have served their country well, and it is fitting that they should be retired with honor. They have given silent testimony to the heritage from which our Nation arose. As emblems of our Nation, they represent the greatest flag that has ever flown over land, sea, or in outer space. These flags have represented what we have been, what we are today, and their replacements will carry us forward to what we will yet accomplish. They have stood for strength, honor, and freedom, and their fabric has been the common thread that binds this great Nation together. And, so we here honor these old flags with deep respect and love.

TAPS: Either by recording or live performance. Commander: * Please be seated.

There is no prescribed ceremony for disposal of an unserviceable flag of the United States of America. This impressive ceremony has been developed from several sources by the National Sojourners, Inc. and the Heroes of ’76. This completes the ceremony. Thank you for your attendance.

ATTACHMENT 11

FOLDING THE FLAG CEREMONY

SETTING:

The setting requires a flag of proper proportion, as prescribed by law. The flag should be of a size that can be both easily seen by the audience and handled properly by the participants. The setting can be any location, but the participants must know their stage prior to the engagement to ensure their optimal entry, presentation of the program to the audience, and exit. The participants should position themselves so that the greatest number of the audience can see the presentation from the front, e.g., in a Blue Lodge setting, the best location would be at the base of the West. The most desirable situation would be that the participants are three Heroes of ’76 in full Colonial attire, including white gloves. Military decorum should be displayed at all times. The verbal presentation throughout the program should be steadily paced with special attention given to the action, which is taking place when it is part of the spoken portion. This will avoid long pauses in either the action or the monologue, where both are part of the segment, which is taking place.

PARTICIPATION:

See the diagram. Hero C will enter with the flag mounted on a staff in a manner that permits it to be removed easily. Preferably, this would be a clip at the top of the staff that is attached to the flag’s top grommet. Hero A represents the troop commander and gives the commands necessary to get the presentation team into their proper places.

HERO A: “Ladies and Gentlemen, my Brethren all. It is an honor and pleasure for the National Sojourners to present to you today, the proper procedure for folding our great national ensign, the American Flag. The Presentation Team includes on my far right: Brother (C) __________ of __________ Chapter #____, on my immediate right. Brother (B) __________ of __________ Chapter # ____, and I am __________ of __________ Chapter # ____.

Immediately following the introduction, Hero C will move the flag and staff from his right hand to his left and grasp the lower grommet of the flag, holding it close to the staff. Hero B will step over to Hero C and grasp the upper corner of the flag, extending it horizontally as he returns to his position in the center of the three participants.

“In the military tradition, which was a strong influence during the founding years of our country, and continues today, honors are extended to the flag prior to its retirement.”

“The military honors are called Retreat. Retreat is often a very elaborate ceremony including a parade of troops and a military band. During the daily routine of business on a military installation, Retreat takes on a less glorious nature but always occurs. Retreat, in its various forms, still includes a beautiful bugle call known as To the Colors. Following To the Colors, the flag is properly folded and retired.”

C B A

Senior Warden

“We should point out that the term retirement means several possibilities. For example, the flag might be an old and tattered flag that is no-longer serviceable, and is now destined for proper destruction. Also, the flag may be retired to a place of honor, such as a shadow box. For our purposes and more typically, retirement means being placed in reserve until its next time for display.”

“Today, we will not subject you to a bugle call in these small confines, but we will extend honors by presenting a Toast to the Flag prior to showing you how to fold the flag for retirement.”

HERO A: Preamble and/or “Here’s to the Red of it. There’s . . .”

HERO B: “Here’s to the White of it. Thrilled . . .”

HERO C: “Here’s to the Blue of it. Beauteous . . .”

HERO A: “Here’s to the Whole of it. Stars . . .” And now, let’s properly fold the flag.

Here Hero C immediately disconnects the flag from the staff, lowers the staff to the floor out of the way, and back towards the steps of the Senior Warden’s station or equivalent position in another setting. He must be careful not to allow the flag to touch the ground, even if it means dropping the staff from a slightly elevated position.

“Remember, under the provisions of Title 4 of the U.S. Code, the dimensions of an official American Flag are in the proportion of one-by-one-point-nine to ensure the final intended shape and presentation of the flag in its folded form.”

“The first fold is made by bringing the bottom horizontal edge up and in front of the flag to be even with the top horizontal edge. What you now see is the very earliest representation of the relationship the Colonists saw between England, whose flag at the time was a field of red, and the Colonies by placing white stripes over the field of red to represent their identity.

The next fold is made by bringing the new bottom horizontal edge up and in front of the flag to be even with the top horizontal edge. Now you see the red and white stripes, but we have introduced a small portion of the blue field with a couple of stars visible. These few stars are a reminder to us of a small, fledgling nation that was about to be born.”

“The next thirteen folds, as you might suspect, are a constant reminder of those dedicated patriots of the original thirteen Colonies that formed our great country. The first of these is done by bringing the bottom corner at the end of the stripes up and in front of the flag to the top horizontal edge, forming a triangle. The remaining twelve folds are made progressively toward the other end of the flag, while preserving the triangular shape. These folds are made snugly to provide a tight and compact package.”

“You can now see that the final form of the flag is a triangle, which is completely encased by the field of blue and its stars. There is no red or white portion showing.”

Here, Hero C assumes control of the triangular form of the flag. He holds the flag at the waist with both hands, one at each of two points of the triangle, the third pointing up. Hero B picks up the empty staff from the floor and returns to his station holding the staff in his right hand as if he were carrying a flag-adorned staff.

“This shows the unity of our entire country embracing the representation of the original thirteen Colonies and our new government. It is said that the three points of the triangle represent the three branches of our country’s government, the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Clearly, the most representative and universally respected government in the world. Some would also

say that the triangle is reminiscent of the tri-corner hat worn by those dedicated founding fathers and patriots.”

“Again, we are honored and appreciate the opportunity, as Heroes of ’76, National Sojourners, to make this presentation of proper flag folding etiquette to you. May God bless you, this flag, and our country.”

Hero A assumes command of the presentation team and directs their departure from the presentation setting to their exit point.